What Is a Laser Eye Screening? Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Visit
What Is a Laser Eye Screening? Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Visit
If you've been thinking about laser eye surgery — whether LASIK, PRK, or SMILE — the first step is a laser eye screening. At Atlantic Eye Laser Centre, we offer free laser eye screening with our optometrist to help you understand your suitability, answer your questions, and guide you through your personalized vision-correction journey.
But what exactly happens during this screening? And why is it such an important part of the process?
Here's a simple breakdown of what to expect.
Why Do You Need a Laser Eye Screening?
Laser eye surgery isn't a one-size-fits-all procedure. Every cornea, prescription, and eye health profile is different — so the screening helps us determine:
- Whether you're a good candidate
- Whether there are any risks or underlying eye conditions that you may have
- What outcomes you can realistically expect
The goal is safety first, combined with giving you the clearest, sharpest vision possible.
What Happens During the Screening?
Your free screening with our optometrist includes several key assessments. These tests are non-invasive, quick, and completely painless — designed to give us a detailed picture of your eyes.
- Medical History Review
Before any tests begin, we'll chat through:
- Your general health
- Previous eye conditions or surgeries
- Any medications you're taking
- Family history of eye disease
- Dry eye symptoms
- Contact lens use
This helps us identify any factors that may influence your suitability or healing.
- Vision and Prescription Check
Next, we perform a full vision assessment, including:
- Visual acuity
- Eye test to determine your current prescription
- Stability of your prescription
Stable prescriptions generally make for the best long-term surgical outcomes.
- Corneal Mapping (Topography)
This is one of the most important components of your screening.
Corneal topography creates a 3D map of your cornea, showing:
- Thickness
- Shape and curvature
- Any irregularities
- Signs of keratoconus or corneal thinning
This information tells us which type of laser surgery is safest for you — or if laser surgery is not recommended.
- Pachymetry (Corneal Thickness Measurement)
The thickness of your cornea matters because the laser reshapes the corneal tissue to improve vision. A safe amount of tissue must remain after the procedure.
Pachymetry helps us determine:
- Whether LASIK is an option
- How much correction can safely be achieved
- Tear Film and Dry Eye Assessment
Dry eye is common — and it can affect both healing and comfort after surgery. We may assess:
- Tear quality
- Tear quantity
- Meibomian gland function
If you do have dry eye, don't worry — it can often be treated before surgery to improve outcomes.
- Eye Pressure Check (IOP)
This quick test screens for elevated eye pressure, which could indicate glaucoma or other conditions needing management before surgery.
What Happens After the Screening?
Once your optometrist has completed the examination, you'll receive clear next steps:
- Are You a Candidate?
We'll explain whether you qualify for laser eye surgery and which procedure suits you best:
- LASIK – for suitable corneal thickness and rapid recovery
- PRK – ideal for thinner corneas
- SMILE – minimally invasive, great for myopia
If you're not a candidate, we'll guide you through alternative options such as ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) or other refractive solutions.
- Book Your Consultation
If you are a candidate, the next step is to book a consultation with one of our ophthalmic surgeons. During this appointment, you'll meet with your surgeon and receive a personalised surgical plan.
- Ask Questions & Get Guidance
Our team is here to help you understand:
- Expected results
- Recovery timelines
- Risks and benefits
- Pricing and payment options
- What the day of surgery looks like
We want you to feel confident, informed, and excited about your decision.
Ready to Find Out if You're a Candidate?
Take the first step toward clearer vision by taking our free self-test.
Your journey to glasses-free vision starts here.
Find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
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What our patients say…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The best care, the best treatment and the best doctors.”
M.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Everything was done with care and the doctor explained everything in detail. My surgery was a success and my sight has significantly improved – I no longer use glasses.”
N.N.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“All I can say is WOW! I feel like I have new eyes.
Thank you just doesn’t even began to say how grateful I am. Your hole team is an absolute pleasure to be around. You guys rock”
S.B.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The service is excellent and the doctors are experts in their fields. I felt relaxed and confident that I was in great hands. Staff are warm, friendly and very helpful.”
F.W.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I would refer Dr Beatty to anyone interested in LASIK or PRK eye surgery. The entire experience was really pleasant with his and his staff’s professional advice and care before, during and after the surgery.
I am very thankful to be able to look at the world and go about my day to day activities without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses.”
P.M.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Best money spent ever. I am so happy with the results after I had LASIK done.”
M.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“BEST decision and results after I had my LASIK done by Doctor Beatty!”
A.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I will definitely recommend Dr Beatty. I am so happy with my LASIK.”
R.B.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Dr Daemon McClunan and the entire staff at Atlantic Eye Centre, Foreshore are beyond AMAZING. The medical care I received from Dr McClunan was outstanding and the staff was always friendly and professional.”
M.M.We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan
I’m proud to be the founder of both the Atlantic Eye Centre, a leading eye specialist centre; and LIQID Medical Pty, an award-winning biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and earn various prestigious awards during my specialist training.
With a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, a specialist degree from the University of Cape Town, and experience working in renowned Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing top-tier care.
Beyond the clinic, I’ve embarked on humanitarian missions, travelling over 15,000km by motorbike to provide rural eye screenings. In my downtime, I love mountain biking, diving, and spending quality time with my family.
My goal is to provide a world-class service which ensures every patient leaves my practice feeling happier than when they first walked in.
Dr Daemon McClunan
MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)
Hi, I’m James Beatty
I pride myself on providing exceptional eye care with state-of-the-art equipment and a team dedicated to excellence. With a focus on refractive surgery, I bring years of experience and expertise to each patient’s journey towards clearer vision.
As an active member of esteemed Ophthalmologist societies including the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa and the South African Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, I stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.
Additionally, my affiliation with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Glaucoma Society underscores my commitment to upholding the highest standards of care.
With a passion for laser surgery, I strive to deliver optimal outcomes for every patient.
Dr James Beatty
MB ChB (UCT) FCS (SA) Ophth MMed (Stel) Ophth
